08:00 AM - 09:00
PM 
Aarti timing : 10:00AM,
7:30 PM
Shri Jageshwar Nath Mahadev Temple, a revered Siddhakshetra also known as the Jageshwar Nath Lord Shiva Temple, is nestled in Bandakpur village, Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh. Situated 17 kilometers from Damoh on the Bina-Katni railway line, amidst the serene foothills of the Vindhya mountain range in Bundelkhand, the temple houses a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Linga of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that worshiping this divine Linga fulfills their desires, hence the temple's fame as a Siddha Peeth.
Since 1972, the temple's glory has been steadily increasing. The influx of devotees, especially during festivals like Basant Panchami and Maha Shiv Ratri, transforms the tranquil surroundings into a bustling fair. A unique aspect of Shri Jageshwar Dham is the absence of priests. Devotees are free to worship without any compulsion to make offerings or donations. For those wishing to contribute voluntarily, the temple office provides receipts.
Constructed in 1711 by Dewan Balaji Rao Chandorkar, the temple is a significant pilgrimage site attracting devotees from far and wide. The enigmatic Shivling at the heart of the temple continues to mesmerize visitors.
Shri Jageshwar Nath Mahadev Temple is more than a spiritual haven; it's a vibrant hub of cultural activities for thousands of devotees. Its rich history, miraculous Shivling, and expansive complex solidify its status as a revered Siddha Peeth in India, making it an essential pilgrimage destination for those visiting the renowned Char Dham. The harmonious blend of mythology, tradition, and community spirit makes this temple a cornerstone in India's religious landscape.
A Brief History and Significance of Shri Jageshwar Nath Mahadev Temple
Established in the Treta Yuga, the Shri Jageshwar Nath Temple in Bandakpur has long been a revered destination for devotees. Over time, the site was lost to history, but in 1711 AD, Lord Shiva once again made his divine presence known. He appeared to Balaji Rao Chandorkar, the Diwan of the Maratha Kingdom, guiding him to rediscover this sacred place. This ancient temple is believed to be around 500 years old.
The Divine Couple: Shiva and Parvati
Approximately 100 feet east of the main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands a grand statue and temple of Mata Parvati. Another temple, housing a marble statue of Mother Parvati, is situated about 31 meters away. This idol, consecrated in 1844 AD, is positioned directly facing the Jageshwar Nath Mahadev Shivling in the main temple's sanctum sanctorum. The intricate artistry of this statue is awe-inspiring.
The Temple's Significance and Traditions
Author Bhairav Prasad Nema, in his book "Jageshwar Rahasya," connects the temple to Lord Rama's journey to the south, adding to its mythical allure.
Since time immemorial, devotees have embarked on arduous pilgrimages, carrying the sacred water of the Narmada River to offer Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva during festivals like Basant Panchami and Shivratri. A unique belief surrounds the temple: it is said that after completing one and a half lakh such pilgrimages (Kanwars), the temple flags of Shiva and Parvati miraculously bow to each other.
Overwhelmed by these divine occurrences, devotees celebrate the union of Shiva and Parvati with great fervor on Mahashivratri. Thousands of Shiva devotees gather in Damoh and embark on a procession to Badakpur Dham and then to Rohaniya, believed to be the village of Mata Parvati.
According to the Damoh Settlement Report of 1866, the Marathas officially took control of Damoh in 1732. However, the story of Balaji's dream in 1711 is widely believed to be true. It is thought that Balaji Rao’s ancestor, Balaji Govind Kher, was the one responsible for discovering the sacred site and beginning the temple’s construction. By 1742, the temple of Shri Jageshwar Nath was completed, and by 1772, the temple of Goddess Parvati was also erected.
Senior advocate Vinod Kumar Srivastava has conducted extensive research on Bandakpur’s history in his book, Bandakpur: A Mixed Tapobhumi. According to his findings, during the Ramayana era, a minister of the Raghu dynasty named Ramdev Ji was tasked with exploring the northern rivers of Vidyanchal. During his journey, he established a Shivling and an ashram at this very site, which came to be known as “Vamodak,” meaning “Shiva’s water.” Over time, this name evolved to Bandakpur.
The Shivalinga of Bandakpur is believed to be incredibly ancient and massive. When the Scythians and Huns invaded, local rulers from the Vakataka and Bharashiva dynasties buried the Shivalinga under a mound of earth to protect it. Though the temple was lost, the village of Bandak remained on record for centuries. Later, the Maratha rulers rediscovered the site and named it “Jageshwar,” meaning “Awakened Shiva.”
According to scholars, the Shivalinga of Shri Jageshwar Nath is estimated to be over 5000 years old. Its immense and unique structure made it impossible even for the Maratha Diwan to fully excavate. The temple’s ancient history and divine significance continue to attract pilgrims from all over, making it one of India’s most important spiritual destinations.
Bandakpur, a village nestled in the Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh, India, is situated approximately 32 kilometers from the district headquarters. Surrounded by verdant fields and forests, this small but vibrant community thrives on its agricultural produce, primarily wheat and gram. Bandakpur boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including well-maintained roads and essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and shops. The village is steeped in rich cultural traditions, with numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year.
Renowned for its religious significance, Bandakpur is home to the revered Jageshwar Nath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple houses the sacred Shiva Linga in its sanctum sanctorum. A separate temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati is located nearby, where her idol faces the main Shiva Linga.
Balaji Rao, whose headquarters were in Damoh, traveled to Bandakpur with his servants as per Lord Shiva’s instructions. At what is now the Imarti Kund (which was once an ancient stepwell), Balaji prayed under a banyan tree. In deep meditation, Lord Shiva appeared to him and instructed, “Where your horse is tied, dig there. You will find me beneath the earth.”
When Balaji awoke, he saw his horse pawing at the ground. Remembering Lord Shiva’s words, he ordered his servants to dig at that spot. Soon, they uncovered a large, blackish-brown egg-shaped Shivalinga. Balaji tried to take the Shivalinga with him, but after digging 30 feet, the end of the Shivalinga was still not found. Realizing its divine significance, Balaji chose to rest there for the night.
That night, Lord Shiva again appeared in Balaji’s dream and instructed him to build a temple on that very site. Following this divine message, Balaji Rao committed to constructing the temple of Lord Jageshwar Nath at that spot.
Various types of services are available for worshiping Lord Shiva at Shri Jageshwarnath Mahadev Temple, Bandakpur. These services provide an opportunity to devotees to connect directly with God and receive blessings.
| Temple Opening Hours | The temple opens early in the morning, at 5:30 AM during summer and 6:00 AM during winter. It closes at 10:00 PM in summer and 9:00 PM in winter. |
| Maha Aarthi Timings | This devotional ceremony is performed at 7:30 PM every day |
| Mahabhishak Puja | This special puja takes place from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM the following day. |
| Mahashivratri | On this auspicious occasion, worship commences at 4:00 AM |
Shri Balaji Rao Chandorkar and his descendants have successively constructed the temples of Shri Mahadev Ji, Bhagwati Parvati Ji, Bhairav Ji, and Shri Hanuman Ji. Currently, the entire temple complex of Bhagwan Jageshwar Nath Ji spans an area of 63 meters from east to west and 65 meters from north to south, encompassing a total perimeter of 4,065 square meters.
In addition to the main Jageshwar Nath temple, the complex houses shrines dedicated to various deities: